Ok, It is Al Fresco Poolside, but my red hair is about as close to being like Ariel the mermaid as I can be.
It has been so very hot here in SW Florida and right now, the gulf of Mexico is pretty hot too.
The dog days of summer are definitely here, so a refreshing dip in the pool is just the ticket for this wanna-be mermaid.
The Captain and I love our pool and are in it any chance we get.
As far as Al Fresco eating…that is every day for us, as we are either eating in the Secret Garden or on the Lanai.
The only difference today is, I moved a small table closer to the pool’s edge.
In the sun for better pictures.
Because I set up the tablescape under the lanai first….
…….and the pics didn’t turn out so good, but I will show them anyway, both ways.
There are many of my friends setting up Al Fresco Tables also, whether it be in their back yards or on their front porches, we all like to eat outside, don’t we?
I started with a rectangle table for two and covered it with a tablecloth I purchased several years ago at Old Time Pottery.
I love the printed phrases on this tablecloth, in various shades of blue and turquoise.
Nothing is new on this table as I was able to go to my dish, linen and drink ware pantries and find all I needed.
Next, I added white washed rope chargers, a beaded white dinner plate and topped the plate stack with blue ruffle plates and bowl.
I used these Hazel Atlas Crinoline ruffle plates in a Mother’s Day tablescape here.
I started with blue handled flatware and after a few pics, I changed my mind and went with the silver rope flatware.
Next, I added a turquoise fringed napkin and children’s sunglasses became my napkin rings.
The wavy water glasses and stemmed iced tea glasses kept moving around the table, positioning themselves in various positions beside the plate stack.
OK, it was hot and I kept drinking out of them and since I was dripping wet in the 92 degree temperatures, I really didn’t care where I sat the cold drink down on the table, as I was busy positioning the camera trying to find the best shots. 🙁
No consistency here. 😉
When I first set up the table, I sat it up along side the pool.
But it was so hot.
I took it all down and re set it under the lanai, near the edge of the pool.
OK, another confession…I also kept jumping in the pool to cool off.
I should have waited for a few hours, for the weather to cool down a bit, but the sky started clouding up and I thought it might rain.
It took a long time for this photo shoot.
But I digress.
The centerpiece is a huge sea shell that I placed a green plant and a few more shells in and around, along with a few pearls.
Many of these shells we have picked up on our own Florida beaches.
The salt and pepper are cute little sea shells.
To keep everything easy and cooling for my al fresco meal, I used cold foods.
I made a couple shrimp cocktails and a few crab salad sandwiches with the crusts cut off.
(I forgot to photograph the cole slaw!) And the Captain and I devoured it.
The 3 tiered tray held the finger sandwiches, a few chips, a raspberry and blueberry torte and fresh Georgia peaches.
A light refreshing lunch.
Yummy!
I hope you enjoyed this Al Fresco tablescape and I hope you are able to escape the heat of the dog days of summer.
Please feel free to pin any of my poolside photos.
If you will excuse me, no poolside for me, I am jumping back in the pool!!
Hugs and Blessings.
Sources:
Under the sea tablecloth-Old Time Pottery, several years ago
Hazel Atlas Crinoline Ruffle dinnerware-EBAY, several years ago
White beaded dinner plates-Home Goods
Rope silver flatware-Amazon, several years ago
Fringed napkins-Etsy, several years ago
Sea Shell Centerpiece-Home Goods, several years ago
Wavy turquoise water glasses-Bed, Bath & Beyond, several years ago
Stemmed turquoise goblets-Replacements, several years ago
Greenery-Ikea, several years ago
Children’s Sunglasses-Dollar Store about 18 years ago (I used them in a sand and mirror tablescape along with sand buckets, etc)
Pearls, Shells,-Personal Collection
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Al Fresco Poolside With Ariel The Mermaid….
I want to thank my dear friend Chloe of Celebrate & Decorate for organizing this Al Fresco tablescape blog hop.
It is a lot of work with little reward, other than a great big thank you.
If you want a little table inspiration, check out the links below.
Monday
Home is Where The Boat Is
Everyday Living
A casa di Bianca
Living With Thanksgiving
Tuesday
Corner of Plaid and Paisley
Me and My Captain
PMQ for Two
At Home With Jemma
Wednesday
Red Cottage Chronicles
Life and Linda
Bluesky at Home
The Painted Apron
Thursday
Panoply
Belle Bleu Interiors
Our Crafty Mom
Celebrate and Decorate
Friday
Debbee’s buzz
Simple Nature Decor
From My Carolina Home
My French Twist
Al Fresco Poolside With Ariel The Mermaid….
Thank you for your visit and your comments!
Kari, totally love your Mermaid Ariel post! The poolside alfresco dining is beautiful! My mouth was watering over the shrimp cocktail! I wish I would have thought to get a picture of the 5 tablescapers who were at Haven. That would have been cool. Maybe next time! It was a pleasure to meet you and hop with you!
Thanks Michelle, yes, that would have been cool wouldn’t it? I met up with Chloe early but it seemed we were always going in the opposite direction. LOL I’m glad I got to meet you. Thanks for stopping by.
Poolside is a lovely idea! The soft colors of the sea are calling my name, and those ruffled plates are truly special. I think you have the perfect spot to cool down on these hot summer days.
Kari, what a beautiful poolside table! The turquoise and blues are so pretty, and your seashell centerpiece with pearl accents is gorgeous! The food looks scrumptious too!!!
Thanks Shannon…one thing is for sure. We love to eat and cool/cold foods on hot days hit the spot. thanks for stopping by. It is always fun to blog hop with you.
What an amazingly beautiful tablescape! I love the child sunglasses as napkin rings! Adorable!!
I bet sitting by your pool with such a lovely table set is a dream come true for you!
I found you through Pam at Everyday Living.
~Nancy
Thank you Nancy for stopping by…It is such a relaxing time and yes, it is a dream come true for the Captain and I.
I am totally in love with the idea of kids’ sunglasses as napking rings. Stroke of genius! The rest all looks so cool and fresh, and I’d love a seat at that table. Enjoy the rest of summer!
thanks Ariel…I love to find odd things to use for napkin rings. Thanks for stopping by.
Mari, your little mermaid theme is perfect for a poolside tablescape! Love it!
Thanks Donna. It is such fun to do tablescapes
What a enchanting tablescape! Reminds so much of being at the beach!
Isn’t it fun Maria to use a coastal tablescape?
Kari, what a fun table in a great setting! I envy you that pool but not the heat! Love that tablecloth and your color palette. And, you created and managed to photograph a delicious looking meal too!
Good Afternoon Pretty Mermaid!
How I love this tablescape! I am so partial to the sea anyway and have the best of memories from past adventures. Love the sunglasses-how completely cute is this:) oh and goodness gracious this tablecloth-Wowsiers. You have most certainly brought the treasures of the seas to your home and ours. Love blog hopping with you!
Jemma
thanks Jemma….you are too kind. I love following your adventures and now NBC! So cool my friend.It is always a pleasure to blog hop with you.
Oh, Kari, that tablecloth is a treasure! It certainly set the scene for you poolside alfresco table! It didn’t take too much with that tablecloth to style your table, and you did it perfectly! Those wavy-edged blue dishes, are perfect and make me think of waves of the ocean. This is great next to your sparkling blue swimming pool. I am thinking I need to move this alfresco tablescape hop to May for those of us who deal with this heat and humidity setting up these outdoor tables! Thank you again for joining for another tablescape blog hop!
thank you Chloe…but I don’t think you have to move anything. We have just had a very hot year. Next year we will probably be cool! You do such a great job with planning these hops. Keep on keeping on. LOL I always enjoy playing with dishes and I look for any excuse to jump in the pool. Keeps me from doing laundry or pulling weeds! Thanks my friend!
Kari,
Love your table, so summery and beachy and perfect for outside by the pool. Very nice table, and I am sure everyone
enjoyed it cause what’s not to enjoy……..lol
Blessings,
Nellie
It is such fun to decorate for a poolside tablescape. Thanks for stopping by.
Kari, the mermaid theme for outdoor dining is so perfect. Love all the details, from the tablecloth to the shells and the pearls. What a fun place to eat outside.
Thank you Carol…it has cooled off a bit today, so here is hoping for a cooler week.
Jane Thebo..
How charming!
It was fun to be right there with you as I was reading this!
Best,
Jane
Thank you Jane….that is how friends react and feel when we are apart. thanks for stopping by,
So pretty and calming Kari. The pool bottom is in sync with your color scheme. The color of that blue is a favorite and I nam loving the nice ruffled edges. Very cute touch with the sunglasses. Mermaids would feel very welcome here. Having the pool to take a nice dip is wonderful. The menu looks amazing! A pleasure joining you on this fun filled Alfresco tablescape blog hop.
Thanks Linda…today is another hot one for SW Florida with only hints that it might rain. Thanks for stopping by.
Kari, you couldn’t have matched your plates to the pool water any better! Despite the heat you had to endure, the entire table feels cool and inviting! I adore that flatware and the ruffled plates (that happen to be in my favorite color!). And those fruit tarts look delicious! I could easily enjoy lunch poolside 🙂
Thanks Maureen we certainly do enjoy our pool….most here in SW Florida have to have fountains or some sort of water feature to stir up the pools so they are not like giant hot tubs.
Adorable Kari!! You are playing my song with mermaids, sea shells and aqua, so perfect for pool side dining! Love your large shell planter with the pearls! Cute idea to use the children’s sunglasses. Yes, HOT summer, and we are often in our pool too, but luckily the breeze comes up in the afternoon making it bearable! Such a pretty and serene table!
Jenna
Thanks Jenna, I have always said I can cool off easier than I can warm up so sunshine and a pool were a must for us.
Kari, I am a big fan of the Little Mermaid and the memories it prompts from my girls childhood days. You’ve put a Tiffany blue twist to it, glamming it up just right with that great tablecloth. No, that wasn’t sweat, that was sparkle! A great mix of elements you already had, love those crinoline plates and the little things like the salt & peppers. That food has my mouth watering!
I completely understand the movement of things for photos, but it wasn’t even noticeable.
We’re actually getting a slight break from summer heat, and it’s really nice. I won’t complain. Stay chill in that gorgeous pool of yours!
You are too kind Rita….thank you for your comments, they mean a lot as you know. Even though natural light is better for photos, sometimes it can be challenging.
Kari, I feel your pain with the heat and humidity. At least you could jump in your beautiful pool. The lanai area is so pretty and I love your poolside table. I was just like Bonnie, I thought at first the table was set on the diving board. The tablecloth was perfect for your table for you and the captain and the food looks delicious. It is always fun to blog hop with you!
What many people do not know is our pool is in a courtyard in our front yard. …which is a bit unusual even for Florida homes. The best part is the 10 foot adobe wall that hides a multitude of cellulite! LOL
Hi Kari! The tablescape is lovely. I especially love those ruffle plates. They are so pretty! We’ll have to try again this coming winter to connect while I’m in Ft. Myers. Would love to meet you!
Yes, a meet-up would be wonderful, I would love to meet you in person. I know how busy we can become….and I am one of the worst for not taking time. It is all our priorities isn’t it? Have a great day!
Oh girl….my car registered 110 yesterday! It is miserable here…not even enjoyable in the pool😢
Your table is just precious. Love that tablecloth!!!
I hear ya! that is why we need fountains, etc in our pools to keep the water moving a bit to cool it off. Sometimes it feels as if we have two hot tubs instead of one and a pool.LOL
Kari, your pool side table definitely looks fit for a mermaid with all of your wonderful turquoise touches. I especially love the sun glasses for napkin rings and those beautiful ruffled edge plates! Your setting looks like the perfect retreat for a hot summer day and a dip in the pool would be the perfect splash to the end of a long day!!
Thanks Ann, we have been having an extra hot summer down here as many are up north. I think of myself as a mermaid even though Ariel might disagree. Thanks for stopping by.
My oh my, at first I thought you had set up your tablescape on the diving board from the angle of the first shot. I thought, how clever but that would be hard to do! Believe me, I relate to the hot temps and wish I had a pool to cool off in. Your pool setting is so inviting as are your table elements. That tablecloth is so cute and your colors in your dishes and glassware are perfect.
Your table with the flowers was beautiful with those lovely ruffled plates in two colors. All your food looks fabulous and you needed a reward for all the work you did. One last thing- That was a cute idea to use sunglasses for napkin rings.
I am always looking for napkin rings and several years ago I bought up a bunch of different colored children’s sunglasses knowing I would find good use for them. The ruffle dishes are special as they make me think of my mom. thanks Bonnie for stopping by.
Your poolside table perfect for mermaids or anyone who needs a dip to cool off in this summer heat! That refreshing water and pool bottom the perfect shade to match table details. I’m loving those cute sunglasses as napkins and oh so pretty ruffly plates!
thanks Mary…I always have fun putting together tablescapes even if I am dripping from the heat. I have to start early on these hot summer days. thanks for stopping by.